People always say money keeps the world turning, but I would argue it is actually coffee that keeps it spinning on its axis. I’d like to think everyone I know loves coffee, but I do know a handful of people that don’t like it or just choose not to drink it (how?). That being said, if you’re part of the coffee-dependent world many of us know and love, then you have probably heard of the long-running debate.

There are two types of people in this world: People who drink their coffee black–straight from the brewer–and people who doctor their coffee up before drinking it. This could include cream, milk, butter, ice cream, lemons/lemon juice (yes, really), sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, Bailey’s or other liqueur, flavoring syrups and whipped cream. I fall into the second category, only I should tell you I only use half-and-half and sugar (I have a whole system).

My dad and my brother drink their coffee straight up, none of the works (boring, if you ask me). I have to admit, however, that the one time I accidentally drank black coffee I wasn’t totally displeased. It is true that coffee is an acquired taste and I’m sure if I push myself, I’ll be drinking works-less coffee any day of the week (I’m getting a sensitivity to dairy, so that may happen sooner rather than later).

I’m not going to unfairly criticize plain-Jane coffee because it is coffee and coffee can do no wrong. I just feel like people who drink only black coffee gulp it down and absorb as much energy and caffeine as possible, whereas people who implement the wondrous powers of the works enjoy the taste and feeling of pure bliss that comes when coffee is mixed with the perfect amount of ingredients. It’s basically a work of art, really. Not to mention, it takes time and commitment to get the perfect cup o’ joe down. It’s a science and an art. Plain coffee au naturale is a necessity, but it is no Picasso or Newton.

One of the biggest criticisms I get when people see me spruce up my coffee is, “Coffee is good on its own, you’re covering up its flavor with sugary crap." I’m not going to disagree, but I will say this: Peanut butter is delicious. It’s delicious on its own and people love it. That being said, peanut butter also tastes fantastic with chocolate or fruit jelly/jam. The peanut butter flavor is less prominent but it has a beautiful romance with a complementary ingredient. Delicious flavors don’t have to be mutually exclusive, sometimes union between the best ingredients create a masterpiece of art for the mouth. (I’m thinking of the movie "Ratatouille," which everybody should watch).

The beautiful thing about coffee is it is diverse, useful for more than just delicious energy boosts, and has the power to bring people together. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how you take your coffee because coffee is amazing in any form. I really don’t have a problem with people who drink black coffee, but I hope any of you who read this will understand that the world beyond plain-Jane joe is just as respectable and delicious.